Honestly, this site isnt really the place to decide this. Id assume 95% of people on here were either too young, or not even born to see Potvin in his prime. Obviously a great question but I just dont think the people on here (including myself) have the knowledge to answer it well

I'm old enough to Potvin and those great Isles team. Gee I was old enough to see Potvin play junior. He was man among boys back then. If my memory is correct he played parts of 7 seasons in junior, remember players couldn't turn pro till they were 20..
Potvin was a absolute offensive and defensive stud. IMO Potvin for many years was among the top 3 Dmen season after season.

Well, he was the best defenseman of that era no doubt.

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Potvin. Could do everything Chara could defensively (minus reach of course) and added a ton of offense. Granted, you put Potivin in today's game and his offensive numbers take a big hit. But he could do it all and do it better than Chara. This isnt knocking what Chara has accomplished. He's been one of the greatest defenders in the last decade and a half. But honestly, there have been better defensemen in the last two decades than Chara.

Thanks for your take. Do you think Scott Stevens was better than Zdeno Chara?

That question is a lot harder. Stevens maybe one of the best defensemen to never win a Norris Trophy and in the 80s and early 90s he could put up the points. That comparison may be a wash. They're both really good.

Potvin